The HSA (High School Assistant) Physical Science exam is conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) for candidates aspiring to become Physical Science teachers in government high schools across Kerala. This article provides detailed information about the exam, including the notification status, eligibility criteria, syllabus, selection process, and more.
The last recruitment for the HSA Physical Science post was conducted in 2018, with the corresponding rank list coming into effect in 2020. This rank list was initially scheduled to expire in 2023. However, due to ongoing court cases related to appointments for this position, the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) did not officially cancel the rank list, resulting in a delay in issuing a new notification.
Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings, the Kerala PSC released the HSA Physical Science Recruitment Notification 2025 (Category No: 605/2024), Malayalam Medium on December 31, 2024. This was the first HSA notification to be issued after the legal delays, possibly marking the beginning of a new recruitment cycle in the HSA category.
The HSA Physical Science Recruitment Notification was officially released by the Kerala PSC on December 31, 2024. According to the official notification schedule of the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC), the HSA Physical science examination for 2025 was initially expected to take place between August and October. However, the latest announcement has now confirmed the official date — the Kerala PSC HSA (High School Assistant) Physical science exam is scheduled to be held on August 6, 2025. Candidates aspiring for the High School Assistant position in this subject should take note of this date and begin their preparations early. It is also important to frequently visit the official Kerala PSC website for any updates or changes related to the exam schedule or notifications.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must possess a degree in Physics or Chemistry, along with a B.Ed. in the concerned subject. Alternatively, those with a BT degree in the relevant subject are also eligible to apply.
Additionally, candidates must have passed the Kerala Teacher Eligibility Test (K-TET).
Subsidiary Subject Clause:
A court ruling led to the cancellation of shortlists published on December 17, 2018. According to this verdict, only those candidates who had Physics as the main subject with Chemistry as a subsidiary (or vice versa) were deemed eligible. This caused major complications for many applicants.
Age Limit
General category candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age (i.e., born between 02.01.1983 and 01.01.2005).
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available for certain categories:
SC/ST candidates: Up to 45 years
Other Backward Classes (OBC): Up to 43 years
Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Relaxations apply, up to a maximum age of 50 years regardless of other concessions.
The salary for the HSA Physical Science post ranges from Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 62,400 per month (basic pay). In addition to the basic pay, employees are entitled to various allowances and benefits, such as:
Home Rental Allowance (HRA)
Dearness Allowance (DA)
Travel Allowance (TA)
Maternity Leave for Women
Medical Reimbursement
Study Loan for Children
Retirement Benefits
As an HSA Physical Science teacher, your responsibilities will include:
Teaching Physics and Chemistry subjects to high school students.
Preparing students for class tests, assignments, and examinations.
Participating in school-based social and extracurricular activities.
Taking up roles such as class teacher, club in-charge, etc.
Promoting scientific thinking and encouraging underperforming students to improve.
After gaining some years of experience as an HSA, teachers may become eligible for promotion to Senior HSA.
Further promotions include positions such as:
Headmaster/Headmistress: Requires seniority, experience, performance, and success in departmental tests.
Assistant Educational Officer (AEO): A higher administrative position in the Education Department.
This role can further lead to promotions like District Educational Officer (DEO).
Promotion Criteria:
Minimum 5 to 8 years of job experience.
Consistent performance, involvement in training programs, and excellent service record.
Success in departmental examinations.
Participation in government-approved training programs for promotion.
The selection process consists of two stages: a Written Examination followed by an Interview.
1. Written Examination
The written exam for the HSA Physical Science post consists of objective-type questions that comprehensively cover the HSA Physical Science syllabus. The question paper is divided into two sections: Part A and Part B, with a total of 100 marks.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes)
Marking Scheme:
Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark
There may be negative marking for incorrect answers, typically 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong response
2. Interview & Document Verification:
Based on written exam performance, a rank list is published on the official PSC website.
Candidates are called for interviews as per vacancies and rank. This step evaluates their teaching aptitude, subject knowledge, and communication skills. Selected candidates must present their original documents including educational certificates, identity proof, and other relevant documents during document verification.
The HSA Physical Science syllabus 2025 is the foundation for effective preparation. It outlines the key subjects and topics candidates need to focus on for the Kerala PSC High School Assistant (Physical Science) exam.
Understanding the official Kerala PSC syllabus for HSA Physical Science helps candidates plan their studies, prioritize important areas, and improve their chances of success.
👉 Download the official HSA Physical Science syllabus PDF here
The syllabus is generally divided into two parts:
Part A: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Renaissance in Kerala, and Teaching Aptitude.
Part B: Subject-specific topics in Physics and Chemistry as taught in high school level.
Keep checking the Kerala PSC Thulasi portal for updates on the syllabus and exam pattern.
Preparation Tips
A secure, well-paying, and respected teaching career awaits those who qualify. Focused preparation with the right resources and a strategic study plan can help you crack this exam successfully.
Begin by carefully reviewing the official syllabus for both Part A and Part B.
Focus on all key areas:
2. Create a Study Schedule
Allocate daily or weekly time slots for each subject area.
Give more time to topics you find challenging.
Reserve time for revision and mock tests.
4. Practice Previous Year Question Papers
Solve previous question papers, especially the 2018 HSA Physical Science exam.
It helps identify question patterns and improve time management.
5. Attempt Regular Mock Tests
Take mock tests under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
Analyze your performance and work on weak areas.
6. Stay Updated on Current Affairs
Read newspapers or use apps to stay informed on national, international, and Kerala-specific news.
Focus on developments in the field of science and education.
The Challenger App is a dedicated mobile application designed for Kerala PSC HSA exam preparation, making it an ideal tool for candidates.
The challenger app is a mobile app that completely complements the preparation tips mentioned above.
Real-time quizzes to test your knowledge
Previous years' question papers
Regular updates with new content
Ready to start your preparation? Download the Challenger App and access mock tests, quizzes, and study plans tailored for HSA Physical Science 2025!